Ciprofloxacin better known as Cipro is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat infections in animals caused by susceptible bacteria. This is a cross over drug so like most antibiotics it is FDA approved for humans and carrys an extra label for dogs.
I use this med to treat skin infections, UTI's, respiratory infections, and some times wounds that look to have bacteria present. This is a very effective med but as with all.... some bacteria are resistant.
I have found it is safe and effective, it has label to suggest it can cause some damage to the cartilage of they joints, in younger dogs (makes the joints swell) So it is only given to dogs above 28-29 weeks of age...That is why your pup got Cephalexin....Think of Cipro as a sooped up Cephalexin....that is what it is!!!!
I have seen it cause loose stool in a few dogs and think it is sometimes given with some food even though the label does not say it has to be......
I think it is a good broad-spec antibiotic!